Illinois Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Lawyers For Animal Attack Lawsuits in Chicago and Surrounding
Areas

Dogs and other pets serve as beloved members of many families.
However, even though we form close bonds with them, these
are still animals, and they can sometimes behave unpredictably.
Sadly, there are many cases when dogs bite or attack people,
leading to serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries.
Those who have been harmed by an animal attack should work
with an attorney to determine their legal options for pursuing
compensation.

At
Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC, our
personal injury attorneys understand the physical and
emotional harm a dog bite can cause, and we work to help
victims receive the compensation that addresses these damages.
We are dedicated to achieving justice for injury victims
and to improving and enhancing public safety by holding negligent
pet owners responsible for their animals' actions.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Depending on the size of the dog and the severity of the attack,
the injuries suffered can range from minor to severe. Some
potential types of injuries in these cases include:

Lacerations and puncture wounds - A dog's teeth or claws
can cause deep cuts which may require multiple stitches
and result in severe scarring and disfigurement. A victim
may also contract diseases such as rabies from an infected
animal.

Broken bones - The strength of a dog's jaw can cause bone
fractures, and victims may be knocked down, leading to
broken arms, hips, or brain injuries.

Eye injuries - Attacks to a victim's face can cause damage
to the eyes that may result in blindness.

Amputation - Fingers can be severed in a bite, and other
wounds may require the amputation of limbs.

Nerve damage - Nerves in the limbs or face may be severed
by a dog bite, and these injuries can cause severe, long-lasting
pain. A person knocked down by an animal may experience
damage to the spine, which can cause a great deal of pain
and may result in paralysis.

Emotional trauma - Victims of animal attacks are likely to
experience a great deal of psychological distress, and
they may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
which can greatly affect their quality of life. Children
may be especially affected by this type of trauma, and
they may take years to recover.

Liability for Dog Bites

In Illinois, a dog's owner may be held liable for injuries
caused by their animal, regardless of whether they knew the
animal was dangerous. In addition, Illinois is one of a few
first strike states, in which an animal is not given a "free
bite"the first time it injures someone. To demonstrate liability,
a victim will need to show that:

The animal was not provoked by the victim.

The victim was legally permitted to be in the location where
the attack took place.

The victim's injuries were directly caused by the animal's
actions.

A victim can pursue compensation from a dog owner for their
damages, including the costs of medical treatment, any lost
wages or reduction in their ability to earn an income, and
the pain and suffering they have experienced.

Contact a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog can act suddenly and unexpectedly, and their actions
can have effects that last for months or years. If you have
been injured by a dog or other animal, you deserve to receive
compensation that will help you make a full recovery. Our
personal injury attorneys can help you demonstrate the extent
of your injuries and work to hold a negligent dog owner responsible
for your damages.
Contact our office at Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC to schedule a free consultation.